HARTFORD -- At a meeting of the Hartford Stadium Authority Monday afternoon, officials with Arch Insurance briefed city leaders on the progress of construction at Dunkin' Donuts Park.
"This has been a complex and difficult project," said Patrick Nails, a senior vice president at Arch Insurance. "I don't think I can overstate the importance of a thorough and investigative process that we went through once we took over the project on October 17. That included comprehensive inspection of the project."
In the first public testimony since Centerplan Construction and DoNo Hartford LLC were fired, Nails said the project was a tortured one that had endured many setbacks due to poor planning, management, or workmanship. He pledged to keep city officials up to date on any developments, good or bad.
The work necessary for completion was outlined in a 344 page report commissioned by the firm Cashin Spinelli & Ferretti. Among the major components for achieving the ballpark's completion: rebuilding a stairwell, resurfacing a main concrete plaza, and completing pedestrian access routes.
A majority of the project's original subcontractors have been brought back on board to finish the job under new management. Arch officials criticized Centerplan Construction and DoNo Hartford for providing incorrect information to the HSA regarding progress and completion.
City leaders say they're impressed with how Arch and Whiting-Turner are handling the project and are confident the ballpark will be completed in time for the Goats' home opener.
"These guys have built stadiums like this they are the best in the business at doing it," said Mayor Luke Bronin of Hartford. "It is night and day between working with these guys and the contractors we fired from the job."
It's expected that the park will be completed in time for the Yard Goats to play their home opener in April.